The Queen enjoys the final day of Royal Ascot – her favourite social engagement – from her sofa due to the coronavirus crisis
- Her Majesty usually attends all five days of racing, continuing 300-year tradition
- But the pandemic means this year’s event is being held behind closed doors
- The monarch could at least console herself with her 24th Ascot winner this week
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The Queen, pictured at Ascot last year, usually attends all five days of racing
It is the Queen’s favourite engagement in her packed social calendar.
But yesterday, instead of arriving at Royal Ascot by State Landau at the head of the Royal Procession, the 94-year-old – like the rest of the nation – was forced to watch the final day on TV.
The Queen usually attends all five days of racing, continuing a 300-year tradition started by George IV.
But the coronavirus crisis has meant that this year’s event is being held behind closed doors, with all the jockeys wearing face masks.
The monarch – who has been in lockdown at Windsor Castle for the past three months – could at least console herself with a winner.
On Wednesday afternoon, she watched Tactical win the Windsor Castle Stakes to become the Queen’s 24th Ascot winner and her first since 2016.